Aaron's eyes narrowed slightly as he considered Auriel's words. The offer was one that went beyond idealistic promises it hinted at a new chapter, filled with not only purpose but with concrete advantages he desperately needed. He took a measured breath before responding.
"I appreciate your vision," he began, his tone steady and resolute. "But I've learned that in this world, strength without support is like a sword without a handle. Practical benefits are just as important as ideals. When I join your team, I expect more than philosophical banter."
Auriel's gaze remained steady, unwavering in the face of Aaron's declaration. He wasn't asking for favors he was demanding the tools necessary to carve his own path.
She gave a measured nod, understanding the weight behind his words. "Knowledge. Practicality. The foundation of true power." Her voice was calm, but there was an undeniable edge of respect. "You seek more than survival you seek mastery."
David smirked slightly, his arms folding as he observed the exchange. "You're not wrong. Without information, power is just reckless force. And reckless force gets people killed."
Auriel's voice remained steady, her words carrying undeniable weight.
"You'll gain access to dungeon maps, monster classifications, geopolitical structures, and combat strategies refined by generations of professionals."
She let the promise settle before adding the crucial condition.
"Of course, in return, you must join our Monster Hunter Adventure Team."
No empty gestures, no vague commitments this was a structured exchange, an agreement built on mutual benefit.
After a brief contemplation, Aaron responded with firm resolve:
"I'll join the Monster Hunting Team, but I need guarantees no betrayal, no deception."
Auriel reached into her cloak with precise, deliberate movements, withdrawing a neatly rolled contract paper, its edges marked with the insignia of the Monster Hunter Adventure Team.
She unfolded it with practiced ease, the parchment revealing crisp, inked lines detailing the terms of alliance, responsibilities, and mutual protections.
"This isn't just a formality," she stated, her tone carrying the weight of experience. "This contract binds us under clear terms no deception, no betrayal. If either side violates it, consequences will follow."
David smirked, glancing over at Aaron. "Guess that's your insurance."
Auriel slid the document toward him. "Read it. Decide if it aligns with your terms."
Aaron scanned the text. Even though he haven't read he could still understand the contract as if there was a magical power to help him understand it.
Key Clauses in the Contract:
1. Mutual Protection: No member shall act against another with intent to harm, deceive, or manipulate for personal gain.
2. Resource Access: Everyone would gain full access to the team's dungeon maps, monster classifications, geopolitical intelligence, and combat strategies.
4. Conflict Resolution: If disputes arose, they would be settled through formal negotiation or combat trials, preventing underhanded actions.
5. Exit Clause: Should anyone choose to leave, he would retain any acquired knowledge but must not share team-exclusive secrets with outsiders.
6. Betrayal Consequences: Violations of trust would lead to banishment or retribution, depending on the severity of the breach. They lightest retribution was losing few levels and the highest could even lead to death.
Auriel's voice remained firm. "This ensures loyalty runs both ways. We do not take betrayal lightly, nor do we expect blind faith. You want insurance this is it."
David smirked, arms crossed. "No loopholes, no hidden catches. Just honor and survival, plain and simple."
The air was thick with expectation. The parchment lay before Aaron, waiting for his decision.
Aaron studied the parchment, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. His gaze shifted to Auriel.
"How do I sign it?" he asked, voice measured.
Without hesitation, Auriel retrieved a dagger, its blade gleaming under the torchlight. Her tone was cold, precise.
"A single drop of blood. That's all it takes."
Aaron pressed the blade against his finger, the sting sharp and immediate. As the drop of blood fell onto the parchment, a surge of energy pulsed through the air ancient, binding, undeniable.
A chill ran down his spine as he felt something coil around his soul, an invisible force locking his existence to the contract. The weight of the pact settled deep within him, a silent vow with consequences far beyond mere words.
In that instant, realization struck violating the contract would not be forgiven. Retribution would be severe, possibly fatal.
Auriel watched without flinching. "It's done."
The air around Aaron shimmered with an eerie tension as the final drop of blood sealed his fate within the Monster Hunter Adventure Team.
The gathered adventurers exchanged knowing glances some with respect, others with curiosity, and a few with concealed unease. They had seen this ritual before, and they understood its weight.
David let out a low whistle, arms still crossed. "No going back now."
Some recruits murmured in hushed tones, acknowledging Aaron's transition from lone survivor to a bound warrior, tethered to the very essence of the contract.
Auriel remained impassive, her gaze sharp. "Welcome."
Auriel observed Aaron for a moment, her sharp gaze taking in the state of his torn, bloodstained clothes, the battle-worn edges of his armor, and the exhaustion etched into his posture. This wasn't the appearance of a warrior stepping into a new chapter it was the remnants of one who had fought tooth and nail to survive.
With a measured breath, she turned to him. "Your current state is unacceptable," she declared, her tone cool yet decisive. "A warrior doesn't just fight with strength they present themselves with it."
David chuckled. "She's not wrong. You look like you walked through a battlefield and didn't bother coming out the other side."
David chuckled, shaking his head as he pulled a sturdy black cloak from his satchel, tossing it toward Aaron.
"Here, wear this for now at least you won't look like you crawled out of a grave."
Auriel gave him a pointed glance. "And make sure he's cleaned up properly."
David sighed theatrically. "Fine, fine. Come on, Aaron. Let's get you looking like an actual warrior."
David smirked, adjusting his stance slightly as he spoke. "By the way, let me properly introduce myself. I'm David. My profession? Driver."
He tapped the hilt of his dagger lightly against his belt, an easy confidence in his tone.
"My responsibility is simple escort the team safely to wherever we're headed. Whether it's crossing hostile terrain, avoiding unwanted attention, or getting us through high-risk zones, I make sure we arrive in one piece."
Auriel nodded slightly, confirming his role. "He's more than just transportation he knows the lay of the land, the hidden routes, and how to get us out of a tight spot when things go south."
David grinned, tossing Aaron a knowing glance. "So, if you ever find yourself stuck, you know who to call."